Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia is ready to continue the war until it achieves all of its objectives if Ukraine does not agree to a peace settlement.
The statement was made during his visit to China, where he attended a large military parade widely viewed as a challenge to the United States and the U.S.-led global order.
Putin noted that U.S. President Donald Trump has shown a “genuine desire” to end the war but gave no indication of pulling back. Meanwhile, UK Defense Secretary John Healey, during his visit to Kyiv, told the BBC that although Trump has brought Putin to the negotiating table, pressure on the Kremlin must increase.
“We are ready to intensify economic pressure on Putin and provide more military aid to Ukraine,” Healey stated.
Last month’s meeting in Alaska between Trump and Putin was seen as an attempt to end Russia’s international isolation. Trump has also invited Putin to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Putin said he does not rule out the possibility of a meeting with Zelensky but suggested there is little purpose in such talks without proper preparation. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, however, described the idea of Zelensky traveling to Moscow for negotiations as “completely unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, Zelensky is working to persuade Trump to impose new sanctions on Russia and strengthen Ukraine’s defenses.
The war launched by Russia in February 2022 continues with high intensity.
